Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures have revived their stage adaptation of Tim Burton’s iconic 1990s movie, ‘Edward Scissorhands’. Edward, a synthetic man with scissor hands, is taken in by Peg, a kind woman, after the passing of his inventor. To fit in, Edward must get used to suburban life. This ballet adaptation of the culture classic is playing at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre until Saturday 18th May.
Taking on the enormous task of portraying Edward in this production is seasoned performer, Liam Mower. Liam’s physicalization of Edward brings the quirky, nervous and clumsy persona of this character to life brilliantly. There is an exaggeration present which brings more comical nuance to Edward and allows his journey in the exploration of life to be more light-hearted and open to the audience. Liam is also given more context and a different journey than that of Johnny Depp on screen, to which he uses as a cue to truly embody movements that enrichen Edward as a character, leaning into his gothic origins and also his curiosity of the suburban habits. This loved and intricate character is portrayed gorgeously on stage by Liam.
The Boggs family in this version of the tale are lighter and more modern than the original characters were depicted in the motion picture. Mami Tomotani brings such warmth and joy to the character of Peg Boggs. Her maternal protection over Edward is continuously present in the movement she conveys – the acceptance she shows Edward despite his abnormal appearance is so apparent, and lovely to watch. Dominic North as Bill Boggs and Jamie Duncan-Campbell as Kevin Boggs (also appearing as Little Edward), bring a further positive energy to the family, with Dominic’s light-hearted and comforting approach as Bill, and Jamie’s inquisitive, energetic and innocent portrayal of Kevin. Holly Saw brings us a well-rounded portrayal of Kim Boggs. At first we see her a a misled young woman, who we don’t believe would make the connection with Edward, however through development, we see the two characters come closer, we see her warmth and general protection over Edward. In particular a notable scene is seeing the world through Edward’s eyes with the garden figures, her amazement and wonder is clear and we feel the character escape the constraints of suburbia. Both Holly’s depiction of Kim’s love for Edward and her discovery of his world is something which is truly magical to watch.
Ben Brown as James ‘Jim’ Upton brings us a clearly aggressive, jealous and irrational young man, whose obsession over Kim is clear. There are so many dimensions to this character that come across clearly is Ben’s portrayal, where we see James’ differentiation in his behaviour towards different individuals and his treatment of Edward.
Nicole Kabera as Joyce Monroe and Luke Murphy as George Munroe bring brilliant humour into this production, whether it’s through lude moments of George exercising, Joyce flirting with Edward or George doing the gardening, their humourous portrayals tickled the audience greatly.
This production has a remarkable ensemble who embody the colourful suburban characters with such joy, depth and energy. The ensemble are as follows; Medan Ferguson (Bunny Munroe), Aristide Lyons (Gerald Monroe), Stephanie Billers (Charity Upton), Glenn Graham (Mayor Franklyn Upton), Jade Copas (Darlene Upton), Carrie Willis (Tiffany Covitt), Andrew Ashton (Brad Covitt), Anna Maria de Freitas (Candy Covitt), Perreira De Jesus Franque (Chase Covitt), Christina Rebecca Gibbs (Esmerelda Evereech), Reece Causton (Rev Judas Evereech), Molly Saw-Downie (Marilyn-Ann Evereech), Nikolas Shikkis (Gabriel Evereech), Barnaby Quarendon (Ryan Gaibright), James Lovell (Todd Gaibright), Savannah Ffrench (Sanda Gaibright) and Xholindi Muci (Sheldon Gaibright).
Sir Matthew Bourne is the Devisor, Director and Choreographer of this production. Bourne takes heavy inspiration from Tim Burton’s semi-gothic themes that are present within the original motion picture, however he brings further colour, turns up the dials to bring a clear theatricality to the piece. In terms of the story of ‘Edward Scissorhands’ the tale has been adapted and developed, giving the character a further origin story and twisting the end of the character’s journey. This leans further into the gothic styling, showing how Edward was created, using movement and visions which seem like they are more out of a ‘Frankenstein’ adaptation. Whilst Bourne leans into the darker indications of the character’s story, he also brings out joy in scenes such as ‘The Bogg’s Barbeque’, ‘Topiary Garden’ and ‘Ice Dance’. These moments (and a few more) allow the most intricate of choreography to bless the stage, and they set a great pace to the piece. Whilst all scenes feature visual feasts and key indications of the narrative, you do feel that some scenes could be afforded with some more stylized and daring movement. Also, some iconic moments such as the waterbed scene are not featured in this re-telling, which does lose come of the comedic value. That being said – the new additions to the story fit brilliantly, also in terms of adapting an iconic character, Edward’s movements are otherworldly, and the precise exaggerated movements choreographed transfer this character gloriously to stage.
Terry Davies’ new music and arrangements with Danny Elfman’s stunning original score from the motion picture help bring this choreography to life brilliantly. Lez Brotherston’s costume and set design brings Tim Burton’s original concept to life brilliantly on stage, embracing the darkness of Edward and his original home, and then turning up the brightness of the suburban settings of the Boggs. The costumes also all look stunning, especially certain characters in ‘Topiary Garden’. Howard Harrison’s lighting design compliments Brotherston’s set and costume, helping lift it further, appropriately matching the tone of the ongoing scenes. This creative team have worked tirelessly to bring this iconic story to life in a way which retains all the creativity of the motion picture, whilst also bringing a new spin on Edward Scissorhands’ tale.
‘Edward Scissorhands’ brings to life Tim Burton’s tale with such colour, beauty and magic. Elevating the whimsical value of the 1990s motion picture, upping the romance and joy to life, as we see this dark character attempt to discover a life in suburbia. New Adventures have truly created a brilliantly accessible contemporary dance production that audiences will adore.
Get tickets here – https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/all-shows/edward-scissorhands/2250
Theatre Scotland 
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